Carmel Valley Ranch Has Something For Everyone

Located a few miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California's Carmel Valley Ranch has something for everyone.

The ranch, which is stretched over 500 rambling acres of lavender plants, bee hives, vineyards, and organic gardens, houses 181 guest suites. Elegant treehouse suites are built right into the hillside so guests are as close as possible to huge oak trees, fragrant lavender, and magnificent panoramic valley views on the wraparound terrace. Cathedral ceilings, two glass fireplaces, huge beds, an enormous bathroom with soaking tub and shower, and oversized comfy furniture make rooms hard to leave.

The recently redesigned Valley Kitchen highlights chef Tim Wood's dazzling dishes combining local fresh ingredients into seasonal menus. The huge centerpiece bar and stone fireplace dominate the space, which also features wood floors, zinc-top tables, tweed settees, and a 1,500-foot terrace offering views of the pool, vineyards, and valley. Menu highlights include honey chile chicken wings, braised beet salad, sea scallops with apples, fresh vegetable risotto, filet with blue cheese gratin, and sides like whole roasted Gilroy garlic, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, and truffle fries. House-made ice creams complete the meal, with other desserts including stone fruit pie and lemon chiffon cake.

The Ranch includes an 18-hole Pete Dye-designed golf course, eight tennis courts, bocce and basketball courts, a 5,200-square-foot fitness center, three saltwater pools, four hot tubs, a hilltop corral for horseback riding, and a 10,500-square-foot spa and fitness center.

There are also great activities to participate in, including a bee experience with over 60,000 Italian honeybees, a hands-on organic gardening seminar, a tour of the culinary garden, and winemaker, bartender, and sommelier seminars.